P ?4 3 F5 8 IO PLAYS EXCHANGED. 

Copy 1 



1-JI i 



HER'5 



Edition 
Plziys 



THE FINGER OF FATE 



M 




COPYRIGHT, 1889. BY WALTER H. BAKER &. CO. 



Something New, Funny and Refined. 



Prof. BAXTER'S 

Great Invention, 



— OR 



OLD mfllDS jnflDB NEW. 

A COMEDY- FARCE IN ONE ACT. 

By MARY B. HORNE, 

Author of "The Peak Sisters" "The Carnival ok Days," "The Bu, K 
of Drills, Parts I and II," Etc. 

* 

Price ' " v - ■- - - 15 cents. 

SYUOPSIS. 

SCE f2'~p D a r ; B r t6 ? ° ffiCe ' V Mary Ann and the Professor. A scientific break- 
fast Patients. A sweet young thing of fifty. Mary Ann romances. The 
old dude. More patients. A back number. Getting ready for the operation 
Boxanna and the Doctor. Greek meets Greek. E^ectr Jniot "e fTce "a 
emale tongue. The « gossimeres." The current begins to work. Woolley 
has a very strange feeling. Charged with electricity. « I never charge but 
take cash down." Filling the cabinet* iHw^j , ceaige, but 

■ri'unginecaDinets. A little backward in coming forward. 
Doiothy's shyness. « What, get in there with two men ! " Mary inn sacri- 
ficed to propriety. Roxanna and the Doctor again. Getting the mitten 
"You press the button, and I'll do the rest." The current full on. Groa" 
of the wounded. After the battle. Old maids and old dudes made new 
Boxanna s work undone. " It's a deep laid plot ! " Celebrating the eve, I 
Ihe dude who couldn't dance." Mary Ann and " The Irish JubL." It is 
in the air and Boxanna catches it. A terrible catastrophe. The deaf old 

S emeUgetS GVei ' d0ne - Th6 Pr ° feSSOr ad °P ts the old infant. j££yS 
and gmng m marriage. The « invention " pronounced a grand success. 

Walter H. Baker & Co., 23 Winter St., Boston. 



THE FINGER OF FATE 



OR 



THE DEATH LETTER 



% JMotirama in Ejjrce &cts 



BY 



/ 



LEN. ELLSWORTH TILDEN 

< i 

Author of "The Stolen Will," "The Emigrant's Daughter," etc. 



j * / 



BOSTON 





^ 



1893 



714 -F-5" 

CHARACTERS. 

Herbert Gilder, struggling -with fate. 

Brigham Webster, a man of plots. 

Asa Skiff, a blunt and honest old fisherman. 

Lewis Prouty, a member of the press. 

William Harvey, the ferryman. 

First Officer, a country constable. 

Second Officer, another. 

Boy, a street tcrchin. 

Idell Harvey, the pride of the ferry. 

Crazy Maud, the mystery of the -woods. 

Ada Bromley, a maiden of love and poetry. 

Citizens and Woodsmen. 
Costumes — Modern and appropriate. 



n ~ Zfff 





Copyright, 1893, by Walter H. Bakek & Co. 



THE FINGER OF FATE, 



ACT I. 

Scene First. — Interior of ' ferryhouse. Door in back at L. ; set- 
tee at back, R. ; table at c. ; chair at R. of table and chair at L. 
William Harvey discovered seated at r. of table reading paper . 
Idell Harvey at l. crocheting. 

Harvey {laying paper on table). Idell ! 

Idell. Yes, father. 

Harvey. I called to see the commissioners yesterday concern- 
ing the ferry.- 

Idell. Yes ? 

Harvey. Well, I resigned my position as ferryman. Your 
coming marriage to Herbert Gilder and the desire of you both to 
have me live with you in Boston, is the cause. At first I thought 
I would remain here. Then I thought of my little girl — my all — 
leaving me, and it was too much. My heart said go, and go I shall. 
Herbert is a likely young man, faithful and honest. Your choice is 
a wise one. 

Idell {getting np, lays down work and kisses him) . Oh, how 
glad I am to know we are to have you with us. The thought of 
parting from you was the only regret I had. How happy we shall 
be in our new home. (Kisses him again.) Dear father. 

Harvey. God bless you, Idell. (Looking at watch.) It is 
nearly time for Herbert ! 

Idell. Yes. 

{Enter Lewis Prouty at door?) 

Prouty (bowing). In me you behold Lewis Prouty, Esq., 
reporter of the Northern Daily News, and correspondent of the 
Thompson Review. Hearing there was to be a wedding here, I 
thought I would drop in and see if I could get. a few lines about it. 

Harvey. No notice is desired. 

Prouty. But seeing you have been ferryman here so long, and 
so many people are acquainted with you and your daughter, you 
ought to give the matter to the press. 

Harvey. That is for Mr. Gilder to decide. 



4 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

Idell. ■ Herbert will have the minister publish the marriage 
notices. That is sufficient. 

Prouty. What's the minister's name ? 

Idell. Rev. David White. 

Harvey. Mr. Prouty, the wedding does not take place until 
day after to-morrow. There is nothing to be said. 

Prouty {going out). Oh, no; nothing. To-day is Monday, 
to-morrow Tuesday, and the day after, Wednesday, and Mr. Gilder 
and Herbert make Herbert Gilder, and the marriage notices are to 
be written by the minister, and the minister is Rev. David White. 
{Bowing to Harvey, and kissing his hand to Idell.) Buy the 
News and Review — a long account of the marriage of the ferry- 
man's daughter. By-by. 

{Exit Prouty.) 
Harvey. A long account — 

{Enter Asa Skiff at door.) 

Skiff {taking off his hat). He'll publish it. Let that ere fellow 
get a point on a thing, and he always will, and a piece as long as the 
moral law appears. He beats briers on points. 

Harvey {shaking hands with Skiff). Glad to see you, Asa. 
Glad to see you. 

Skiff. Same here. 

Idell {presenting hand). I echo father's words. 

Skiff (ritbbing his hand on his pants ; shakes). Thank ye, 
Miss, thank ye. 

Harvey {offering chair). Take a seat. 

Skiff. No, I thank ye. To plant yourself is to take things easy, 
talk about everything and nothing particular. I am on particular 
business. Yes, siree. 

Harvey. Oh ! 

Skiff. Yes ; and although I am a fisherman, I won't fish around 
about it. Yer know I am no great slinger of language, orating 
being out of my line. {To Idell.) You know it too ? 

Idell. You certainly never indulge in idle talk. 

Skiff. Well, to come to the point, the loggers and others round 
about the ferry have delegated me to attend to matters here a bit 
{addressing Harvey). Yer gal, Idell, is to be hitched up to 
Herb Gilder — a square 'un, by the way. 

Harvey. Yes ; my daughter is to marry Herbert Gilder. 

Idkll. The interest shown is surprising.' 

Skiff. Surprising? It's a surprising good couple that is going 
into wood-lock — no, 'hang it all, I mean — well, I know, but the 
word knocks me out. It's a surprising good couple that's going to 
be hitched ; there, that expresses it. {Aside.) Now I am a-going it. 
(Addressing Harvey and Idell.) The gal is a brick, a" trump, 
A gal that will go to the loggers' camps, fix up nice things 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 5 

for the sick 'uns, — that don't consider herself so fine she can't 
speak to such, — is the gal that wins the respect of honest men. 
Who was it, when old Ike Thurston fell and^broke his leg, up in 
the camp, that came and made things comfortable like as only a 
woman can? The ferryman's daughter. Who was it that helped 
nurse John Teabon through the fever? The ferryman's daughter. 
Who is it that is always doing good, that the men swear by, and 
would fight and die for? The ferryman's daughter. They want 
to remember her, and to have her think of them when she's gone. 
{Taking package from his inside breast pocket.) They have passed 
the paper, and none was ever better received, and raised two 
hundred dollars, which they have put into my hands for presenta- 
tion. (Giving package to Idell.) Here take it (wiping sweat 
from his face with red handkercJiief). They wanted to come in a 
body, but couldn't get away. Furnish some room in yer new 
home with it, so that when ye occupy it, it will call to mind the 
men of and about Domeshire Ferry. {Aside.) By gosh, I am 
winded. 

Idell. • I do not deserve this. I have only done what any true 
woman should and would do. Words fail to express my thanks. 

Harvey. This is a great surprise. God bless the men. This 
honor and respect shown Idell gives me the greatest pleasure of 
my life. 

Skiff. Proudest of mine, too. (Aside.) Never made a speech 
before in my life. The all-fired good subject got me through flying. 

Prouty (putting his head in at the door). Heard every word of 
it — full account in the News and Review. Order extra copies for 
your friends. 

All (surprised). The reporter! 

Skiff. I told you he was great on points. 

Harvey. Well, let him report. The papers can say nothing 
but what will reflect credit. They would have heard all about it 
any way, so it makes little odds. 

Skiff (going out at door). Right ye are. (Aside.) Wonder 
if the reporter got my speech straight. 

(Exit Skiff.) 

Idell. Such kindness from the men ! 

Harvey. You deserve it. Everything Asa said was the truth. 
You have been an angel of goodness among the loggers. They 
may be rough in their ways, but they never forget a good deed. 

Idell (giving package to Harvey). Please keep it for me. 
It's nearly time for Herbert. (Going to l. 2 E.) I will get my 
hat and jacket and row across the river for him. 

(Exit Idell.) 

Harvey. Happy girl ! (Going out at R. 2 E.) I will place this 
money where it will be safe. 



6 THE FINGER OF FATE. 



{Enter Idell at l. 2 e., dressed for out doors, and exit at door 

in fiat.) 

Harvey {entering at R. 2 E.). I have placed the money in 
my trunk. {Seating himself at the table.') What secrets that 
trunk contains. Oh, if I only knew what Idell would do if she knew 
all — knew what a wretch I am, what a wretch I have been. Never- 
theless, had I not done it, it might have been worse, been death 
perhaps. 

{Enter Brigham Webster at door in flat.) 

Webster. Death ! 

Harvey {springing to his feet) . John Aldrich ! 

Webster. Good eyesight. 

Harvey. What brings you here ? 

Webster. Business. 

Harvey. What business ? 

Webster. My own. 

Harvey. What do you want? 

Webster {looking beyond Harvey). What? The girl. (Har- 
vey turns to look, and Webster draws knife and stabs him after a 
short struggle.) Your life is what I want. 

Harvey {falling to 1 the floor with knife in his breast). My God ! 

Webster {looking at him, moves him with his foot, decides he 
is dead, and exit hastily at door). He's settled. 

( Water Drop Scene at second) . 

Note. — Have a water strip prepared to lower or run across in 
front of the scene as it is dropped, with sufficient room between 
for the boat to be worked. 



Scene Second. — Forest Ferry crossing. Horn, to blow for ferry 
boat, hanging on tree. 

{Enter Herbert Gilder, r.) 

Gilder. Three long years have passed since the old ferry greeted 
my eyes — years of toil made pleasant by the thought that I was 
making a home for my promised wife, Idell Harvey — the ferryman's 
daughter. {Blozvs horn.) There, that will let them know I have 
arrived. Idell is a regular Grace Darling, and will probably row 
over for me. {Walks back and forth, waiting for boat.) Why 
don't they answer back to let me know they heard. I'll try again. 
{Blows horn and waits.) Can it be they do not hear? I'll try my 
voice and see the effect. {Puts his hand to his mouth and cries.) 
Hallo, the ferry — h-a-1-l-o. {Waits.) No answer — what can it 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 7 

mean? I'll try again, Cross I must, and cross I will. (Blows 
horn long and loud J waits.) It is of no use. The only thing to 
do is to make my way across down the river, and that I must do 
quickly, for while standing here the clouds have gathered in inky 
darkness ; the storm will soon break forth. 

{Exit R. ; enter Crazy Maud, l.) 

Maud. The wind is coming up. {Wind blows mournfully.) 
The thunder soon will clash, and the lightning flash forth. (Thun- 
der and lightning heard.) The king of storms doth reign 
{Laughs.) It's music to my ears -sweet music; the music of 
nature (Lawks.) They call me crazy— Crazy Maud, and the 
children are hushed by their parents for fear of me. (Thunder and 
lightning accompanied by heavy wind.) Let them talk -it 
troubles" me not, what care I for what they say? My life is 
wrecked ; my past troubles are such that I cannot think of them 
and be myself. My brain is clear to-day — no no, no • my head 
begins to whirl — it's growing cloudy again. (Laughs.) Crazy 

Maud — Maud the crazy. 

{Enter Lewis Prouty, l., an umbrella over his head, note-book in 

hand, writing?) 

Prouty. {Thunder and lightning.) Deuced bad weather for 
news, bad climate for the constitution. Yes, ] [ — (Sees Maud; 
makes low bow.) Most happy to meet you, maiden. Allow me to 
introduce myself. Lewis Prouty, Esq., reporter of the Mrthem 
Daily yV^w/and correspondent of Thompson's Review. What may 

I call you ? 

Maud. A woman. . 

Prouty. Certainly ; your appearance indicates it. Your name, 

P1 Maud (wildly). My name? I have no name. ( Walkin { l 
back and forth.) You ask my name? (Laughs.) The world calls 

me Crazy Maud — . ^k„„a fi 1P 

Prouty {surprised and writing rapidly). Crazy Maud — the 
woman of all women I wish to meet. Madam, I wish to write you 
up for the press. 

Maud (laughs). Write me up? 

Prouty (writing). You were bom? 

Maud. Of course I was born. (Wildly.) Born to a life of mis- 
ery— born to a life of woe- oh, that I had never been born. 

Prouty (edging away, still writing). Wonder if she is dan- 

g£ MAUD. Born — born! (Coming toward Prouty.) My God ! 
that I had died when a little child ! 

Prouty (making his way towards, writing), bne roams me 

forest clad as a wild woman. criri -nw 

Maud (wildly). Young man, may you never see the sorrow 

Crazy Maud has seen. 



8 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

S Y i^wing) Thank you, thank you, Madam; your age? 

Maud. My age? I was jbora- {holding hand to her head) no, 
no I know not. {Excited.) Questions, - questions - (waging 
him away). Away with your questions. \wavmg 

Prouty (««%). She is getting wild, and I am getting no in- 
formation. It >s evident the only thing I can o- et fs to *et o it 
(Bowng t> MAvn.) Farewell, Madam. (^ ^^ 1 

Maud (Iahghin ? ). Going to write up Crazy Maud. (Suddenly 
looks across river.) There comes a boat {Shades eyes wth hand 

fstltet TSti t The ; e,S 1 a man and W °™ n in !t - The woman 
lf,/\ P \^F \ } t,me t0 slee P ,n such a sto ™ as this. (Sud- 
denly.) What the man throws - yes, throws her into the river 
Herow Srap , d]y th lsway . (Thunder and lightning.) $f S m™ 

mI, L T I M , aUd S ^ at is U P the river - {Going oittL*.) cTazv 
Maud and her boat will not let the poor thing die- will not let her 
drown. (Thunder and lightning.) 

Webster (rowing in sight from l.). It is a nastv dav hut a 
good time for my work. (leaves boat { Ril h • a } 'j , 

the a,-rl ,„h thJf, f • |^-^WJ <?^.j -tSill Harvey is dead, a so 

ichl ' rii^L f " w-rt F i gha ? Webster ' s ' or rath er JohnAld- 
TWlpL C W?J ■ Wlth the ferryman dies the secret. The 
Buckley estate is mine. (Boat going out of sight to R ) No longer 
a poor man, but a millionaire. (A-//1; L .) * j iNoJongei 

(^^ «m/^ ; enter Asa Skiff, r., ^ fish p ole on his 

shoulder.) 
. Skiff (shaking himself). This is one of the storms ye read of 
m he back part of the spelling book where the leaves are vanked 
out. Saw Herb Gilder travelling down stream as though the old 
boy was after him Couldn't get near enough to say how del 

tnldT gOI K g f lkC Streal< l ^nmg. Should have liked to have 
told him about the present. Wonder why he did not cross the 
ferry and see his gal. Bet I would, had I been gone three years 
She s the hkehest piece of calico in these ere diggings, and if I was 
only a little younger I'd have taken a try at cutting hfm out (Bra- 
vug up.) I US ed to be quite a ladies' man in my time tell ve 
Suppose I might as well make a stay of it as long as I have V t wet' 
and see if I can catch something beside water. (Baulfhoot ) 
Ihl^u 'f ° Ut 16 r re that ° ne of the bo >' s «ught a bustfr out of 
- rain or r no d Sn and ' **" ^ *> »* ^ ^ ^ * *£ * 

(Exit l. ; Crazy Maud comes in sight at r., rowing boat; Idell 
Harvey lying in bottom.) 
Maud. The girl is saved, but nearly dead. The man who is 
he •? The past seems to picture him, yet my memory fa s ?hf 
belongs over the ferry, methinks ; but I'll take h« to m "home 

H^ r g 7i ° Ut (f S % kt at ^ N ° ha ™ w&X'belli 
no no — n-o — (Laughs; exeunt in boat, L.) 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 



{Enter, in haste, L., Skiff.) 

Skiff. Crazy Maud on the river. {Thunder and lightning.') 

What's up? 

{Enter l. Webster.) 

Webster {shaking, rain from his hat, speaks aside). I must 
cross back to the other side ; Herbert Gilder has crossed and will 
make his way to the ferryhouse. By getting this clodhopper to 
cross with me, and finding Gilder in the house, the web will be 
complete. {To Skiff.) Ah, how do you do? 

Skiff. About as I'm a mind to, thank ye. 

Webster {aside). Mighty sociable kind of a fellow. {To 
Skiff.) Where's the ferryman ? or are you the gentleman? 

Skiff {aside). Regular soft soaper. {To Webster.) Where 
he belongs, I suppose. I am a fisherman, sir. {Casts line into 
river.) Asa Skiff, the fisherman. 

Webster. Oh — I wish to cross the ferry. 

Skiff. Well, cross then. {Pulling up line.) They are com- 
mencing to bite. The rain's letting up. 

Webster {aside). I'd kick the fool if I hadn't use for him. He 
must row me across. {To Skiff.) There is a boat tied at the 
bank here at the left — can't you row me across ? 

Skiff. What right have I got with the boat? She don't belong 
to me. 

Webster {aside). The fool! {To Skiff.) It's a case of life 
and death; I must cross. 

Skiff {pulling tip a fish). Pretty tough case ? 

Webster {in a mysterious manner) . I think you will go when 
you know what it is. It has come to my knowledge that the murder 
of the old ferryman is contemplated, and I would prevent it. 
(Aside.) Guess that will fetch him. 

Skiff {throwing down pole). Why didn't you say so before ? 
Murder contemplated, and ye beating about the bush in this ere way. 
He may have been murdered a dozen times while ye have been 
standing around. No time is to be lost. Come along. Murder! 
by gosh, there will be murder if any one is hanging around the ferry, 
and I get my claws onto them. 

Webster (aside at exit) . The game plays into my hands. 
(Exeunt L.) 

(Raise Water Drop Scene.) 

Scene Third. — Same as Scene i. — Harvey lying o?t floor, as 
before. He groans once or twice, then raises hitnself on elbow 
and pulls the knife from his wound. 

Harvey (groans). I am done for, yes, I am dying — dying! 
Murdered by John Aldrich. Idell must have seen him or heard the 
struggle. Where can she be? (Crying in- a weak voice.) Idell! 



IO THE FINGER OF FATE. 

Idell! It's no use ; I cannot make her hear ; where can she be ? 
(Shuddering.) How awful to die alone like this. With me the 
secret of Well's life dies. Dies, did. I say ? No ; it shall not die ! 
I have strength enough left to write a confession, and it shall be 
done. (Binds up wound with handkerchief, and staggers to table ; 
sits in chair and takes paper and pen from drawer.) There's no 
ink — no pencil. The letter must be written, that justice be done. 
Ah ! I have it. It shall be written with my life's blood. {Dips pen 
in wound and writes ; business of weakness a?id pain.) There, it 
is done. This makes the mystery clear. (Staggering to his feet, he 
falls icpon the settee, the letter in his hand, and dies, gasping.) The 
death-letter explains all. 

{Enter Crazy Maud at door.) 

Maud. The storm is over ; nature smiles again. Here's where 
lives the girl, but they shall not have her — no — no — ■ no ; they'd kill 
the poor thing. Crazy Maud will guard her with her life. Yes — 
yes. {Sees corpse on settee; examines it a?id clasp hands on her 
head.) What! blood! More blood! Murder — murder every^ 
where! (Stoops down and takes letter out of Harvey's hand and 
reads it.) It tells of blood, it's written with blood. (Laughs in a 
wild manner, folds letter, puts it in dress pocket, and listens.) 
Some one approaches ; I must away, ere they arrive. The cuts 
and turns are known to Maud, who comes and goes, none know 
how or where. (Laughs, and puts hand to dress where letter is.) 
It's written with blood. It tells of blood. 

(Exit l. 2 e., laughing in a wild manner ; enter Herbert Gilder 

at door in flat.) 

Gilder. At last, after wading the river, and travelling through 
brush and swamp, I've reached the old ferryhouse. No one seems 
to be at home ; what can it mean ? ( Sees body on settee.) What ! 
the ferryman asleep ; I'll wake him. (Stoops to do so, and sees that 
he is dead ; becomes greatly excited.) He is dead — murdered ! Who 
could have done the deed, and what can have become of Idell ? 
( Walks back and forth in an excited manner.) If harm has befallen 
'Dell, I shall go crazy. (Sees knife, and picks it up.) Ah ! here's 
the knife with which the murder was committed. 

(Enter at door in haste, Webster followed by Skiff and two 

Officers.) 

Webster. We are too late ; the deed is done, and there stands 
the murderer with the knife in his hand. 

Gilder. True, murder has been committed, but by some other 
hand than mine. I found the ferryman dead, as you see him. 

Webster. That's too thin. Why the very knife he holds in 
his hand I saw in his possession in Boston a week ago, 



THE FINGER OF FATE. II 

Gilder. Villain ! (Springing at hi?n with the knife in his 
hand.) You lie — you know you do. Take back your words. 

Webster (drawing pistol and aiming at him). Keep back! 
Would you add another murder to your list ? (Aside.) He does 
not recognize me as the man whom he sent to State Prison by his 
evidence. John Aldrich, your disguise as Brigham Webster is 
good. (To Officers.) I call on you to arrest this man. I charge 
him with the murder of William Harvey, the ferryman. 

Skiff (advancing) . Hold on a bit — don't be in such a hurry. 
Let's look at things a bit. I admit it's squally for the lad, but I doubt 
his guilt. 

Webster. Doubt? 

Gilder. Thank you, Asa — thank you, God knows I am inno- 
cent. 

Webster. The evidence is complete. 

Skiff. Yer just wait. Circumstances are circumstances, and 
facts are facts. The fact is, there was no reason for Gilder killing 
the ferryman. I was here myself this morning, and I know from 
what was said there was nothing but the best of feeling between 
'em. 

Officer. That may be, but there is no telling what's what. 

Skiff. Yer will find he didn't do it. It a'nt like him. 

Gilder. God bless you, Asa. 

Webster. Officers, do your duty, and don't mind the clodhopper. 

(Officers advance.) 

Skiff (waving his hand to the Officers). Keep back, I tell 
you, keep back ! I've known this youth ever since he was knee 
high to-a grasshopper, and a more honest boy never drew breath. 
E'er he is disgraced by arrest, ye shall walk over old Asa's dead 
body. Circumstances don't go here. 

(Enter Prouty at door.) 

Prouty (advancing, bowing). There appears to be a disturb- 
ance here. As reporter of the Northern Daily News and corre- 
spondent of the Thompson Review, I would investigate. Lewis 
Prouty, Esq., at your service. 

Webster (aside). It will now soon be heralded to the world 
that Herbert Gilder is a murderer. 

Skiff (aside). Reporters are goll darned fools. (Suddenly.) 
Say, by gosh, ye were here this morning, wa'n't ye? 

Prouty. Yes. 

Skiff. Ye overheard the talk that was going on ? 

Prouty. Yes. 

Skiff. Well, didn't it show kind feelings between Herbert 
Gilder and William Harvey? 

Prouty. Yes ; but it is not a reporter's place to be interviewed. 
He's the one to do the interviewing. He's a licensed pumper. 



12 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

Skiff {to Officers). I told ye so. - There was no ill-will. 

Prouty. What's the matter? 

Officer. There has been a murder committed. 

Prouty {taking out note-book). Murder — you don't say a 
murder? William Harvey murdered ! {Writing.) And the mur- 
dered has been caught ? What's his name ? 

Webster. Herbert Gilder. {Pointing to Gilder.) There 
he stands. 

Skiff. Hold on there. Don't ye put his name down as a 
murderer ; he's no such rascal. 

Prouty (writing) . There are many kinds of rascals, — 

" From the seedy tramp to stylish scamp, with hair sublimely curled. 
All sections have their share of them, and honest folks bewail, 
The shameful fact, so few of them are inmates of the jail." 

Skiff. Then there would be no newspaper men. 

Prouty {writing) . The freedom of the press is not to be inter- 
fered with. Here's the heading. " Awful murder ! William Har- 
vey found dead. Herbert Gilder arrested as the murderer." 

Skiff. He ain't arrested. {Shaking his fist at Prouty.) I'll 
put a head on ye. 

Gilder. Be calm, Asa. The facts of the case give grounds 
for the report ; but I am as innocent as a babe, circumstances are 
against me. 

Webster. He already shows the white feather. 

Skiff. Ye lie, ye villain. 

Webster. Tut —tut, old man. 

Prouty {aside). Indications of another murder — more the 
better. Price for murder — ten dollars a column. 

Skiff. I wish I had been shot before I rowed ye across the 
terry. 1 his trouble would never have happened. 

Prouty {aside; writing). I'd have had my hands full of news if 
ne d only got peppered. 

Webster The murderer would have escaped. Would you 
shield him who takes another's life ? 

Gilder. Hold ! You say I murdered William Harvey. It is 
false. Hear my story. Three years ago I left this place, Idell 
Harvey p edged to be my wife. I went away to make a home for her 
and myself, and to-day I returned to claim my bride. Failino- to re- 
ceive any reply to my hail of the ferry, I made my way down the 

S[rG3,ITlj 3,nd 

Skiff {excited). I saw ye going down the river bank. I knew 
ye were engaged and gone away to make a home for the «- a l I'll 
swear to it {To Prouty, hopping about.) Put that dSwn, Mr. 
■Newspaper. 

Prouty {writing). Certainly. 

Webster {aside). He's a space writer- nothing will be left 
unwritten. & 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 1 3 

Gilder. I crossed the river, and made my way to the ferry- 
house. Found Idell gone, and her father murdered. I saw the 
knife on the floor and picked it up as you rushed in. (Looking 
toward Heaven.} So help me God, this is the truth, the whole 
truth, and nothing but the truth. 

Prouty (writing; speaks aside). The girl makes it more in- 
teresting. This case is good for five columns, the first send off. 

Skiff (shaking Gilder's hand). I believe ye-, Herb, I believe 
ye, I do. 

Gilder (returning the shake). Thank you, thank you, Asa. 
But, where is Idell? If we can find her, perhaps the murder may be 
explained. 

Webster. Find her! Probably you have killed her, too. I pre- 
sume she lies dead at the bottom of the river. It had better be 
dragged. 

Gilder (springing at Webster). Scoundrel! 

Webster (presenting pistol). Keep back! 

Gilder. I believe you are the murderer. I believe, you know 
where Idell is, and this is a game of yours to throw the guilt off 
your own shoulders." 

Skiff. So do I. By gosh, I do. 

Webster (aside). Close shooting this; mighty close. (To 
Gilder.) That's a pretty story. You were found with the knife in 
your hand, bending over the murdered man, and the murder was 
committed with the knife. The evidence will convict in any court 
in the land. (To Officers.) Officers, I again call on you to 
arrest this man. There's been fooling enough. 

Skiff (excited). Don't you touch him — he's innocent. 

(Officers advance.) 

Officers. We must do our duty — the case demands it. 

Skiff (greatly excited). There's no must to it. 

Gilder. It is better I submit to arrest, and wait developments. 
Time will make all things right. Officers, I submit to my fate. If 
you can, please spare me the disgrace of the handcuffs ; I will go 
quietly and pledge you my word of honor not to escape. 

Skiff (pleadingly). Don't shackle him ; he'll do as he says. 

Webster. Handcuff him ! What does the word of a murderer 
amount to ? 

Officer. We can attend to our own business. 

Skiff (shaking his fist at Webster). And I'll attend to ye — 
ye pirate. 

Webster. Go slow, old man, go slow. 

Prouty (going out at door, writing). "Awful murder! Wil- 
liam Harvey found murdered ! Herbert Gilder arrested as the 
murderer. Found with the knife in his hand. He strongly main- 
tains his innocence. A firm friend in Asa Skiff. Mysterious dis- 
appearance of Idell Harvey, the murdered man's daughter and the 



14 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

betrothed wife of the murderer. What can it mean? Full details 
of the murder." (Disappearing.') There's a heading for you. 

Skiff (looking after hint). He is a regular eight-day clock, 
that fellow is. 

Officer. We will take the prisoner to jail, and return with the 
coroner, leaving you gentlemen in charge. (Officers go out at door, 
leading Gilder by the arm.) We will soon return. 

Gilder (to Asa as they go out) . Leave no stone unturned to 
find Idell. I shall grow crazy if she is not discovered. 

Webster (aside). You'ii go crazy then, sure. 

Skiff. I'll clear ye, and find the gal. (To Webster.) Yer a 
pretty man to accuse one of murder just because, because - 

Webster. Because what? 

Skiff. He ain't guilty, anyhow, that's what. 

Webster (laughing). There is no getting out of it; your 
friend must be the murderer. 

Skiff. Well, if he is, I'd rather have him for a friend than ye. 

Webster (sneering). Every one to his choice. 

Skiff (going out, slamming door). To the old boy with ye — 
keep yerself company. 

Webster. The old lunatic. The game is mine. The old man 
and girl are out of the way, and Herbert Gilder is as good as proved 
a murderer. Everything worked to a charm, and no suspicion rests 
on me. (Looking at corpse ; shudders.) Not very agreeable com- 
pany. Wish the old fishmonger had stayed, spite of his talk. 
(Listens.) What's that ? Is he coming back ? Thought I heard 
some one step. 

(Enter Idell Harvey, at door.) 

Webster (springing to l. 2 e.). It's — it's — yes, it is Idell 
Harvey. So water will not kill her. I'd try the effects of lead, if I 
knew the fisherman wasn't within hearing distance. (With draws.) 

Idell. Rescued from drowning only to fall into the hands of 
Crazy Maud. She left me, thinking I was too weak to stir, but I 
managed to get back to the ferry in her boat. Where can father 
be ? (Sees him on settee.) Why, there he is, and asleep — what 
can it mean ? (Bends over him, and places hand on his forehead.) 
How cold. (Gently shaking him.) Father! Father! wake up. 
(Pause; sees wound.) My God ! he's dead ! He's murdered ! 
What shall I do? Who could have done the deed ? (Raising hand 
to Heaven and looking up.) Oh, Father, Ruler of all, have mercy 
on me. Bring the murderer to justice. (Falls upon knees and 
weeps over body.) Dead ! murdered ! God have pity on me ! 

Webster (aside). So she escaped through Crazy Maud. 
Blast it ! She takes the old man's death to heart fearfully. 
(Drawing knife from his pocket.) Well, I'll soon relieve her of 
her misery. Die she must, for the fortune shall be mine. There 
has been too much plotting to stop now. (Springs forward and 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 15 

catches I DELL by the arm, holding knife in striking position.) 
Farewell to earth ! Here's relief for your misery. 

I dell {struggling). What mean you ? 

Webster. You will not live to remember, should I explain. 

Idell {still struggling). Villain ! why would you murder me? 
Why did you murder father ; for now I know you must be the 

assassin. 

Webster. Your lover is arrested for the murder. He will hang 

for it, too. 

(Idell screams and struggles.) 

Webster. Struggle away. You are like the mouse in the jaws 
of a cat. {Striking at her with knife.) Die ! 

{Enter Crazy Maud at door, in haste?) 

Maud, {catching arm of Webster). Hold! 
Idell. Saved! 

(Crazy Maud, exit at door with Idell.) 

Webster. The devil ! 

CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 

Scene First, — Forest. Enter Brigham Webster, l. 

Webster. The inquest is over. Herbert Gilder is committed 
for the murder of William Harvey. Were it not for this Crazy 
Maud, everything would be all right. A moment more, and it 
would have been Idell Harvey's last ; but as it is, thanks to this 
old hag, who is concealing her, the girl is considered dead — 
murdered by Gilder. Let me but find Crazy Maud, and she will be 
so in fact. As it is, I am liable to change places with Gilder at 
any moment. The hag dens somewhere in this section, where, 
I will know before I leave these woods. Then — what! old Skiff! 
{Looking out at l.) He follows me like a dog. The old curmud- 
geon mistrusts, I believe. I've a mind to shoot him. {Draws 
'pistol.) No, no ! it won't do. We have already had words, and I 
would be suspected. {Returns pistol to place.) It won't be healthy, 
though, for him to interfere with me too much, the old sinner. 

{Enter Skiff, l.) 

Webster {turning savagely upon him) . Well, what do you want ? 
Skiff. None of your darn business, as I know of. 



l6 THE FINGER OF FATE. 



Webster. You are following me. 



Skiff. Who said I was? 
Webster. I say you are. 
Skiff. Shoo ! 

Webster (rage increasing). What are you looking at me in 
that way for ? 

Skiff. Ha'n't a cat got a right to look at a king? 
Webster. There is a difference between a cat and a skunk. 
Skiff. And between a king and a rascal. 

(Both glare at each other.) 

Skiff. Skunk, eh ? Well, look out that the skunk don't make 
things stink for yer. 

Webster (aside). Curse him ! He has upset my plans for 
the present. (To Skiff.) I'm going back to the village — going 
to dinner. Hadn't you better come to watch me? 

Skiff. I'll watch you in prison yet. 

Webster (exit r., laughing). With your friend, Herbert Gilder? 

Skiff. The villain ! He knows I am watching him, and I wa'n't 
going to dispute it. Poor Herb ! How he felt, being taken through 
his native place to jail. He was completely broken down when I 
overtook him and the officers after leaving the ferryhouse, but he 
took courage at my presence. I was proud to walk by his side, 
showing myself his friend. He's innocent, and to prove it to the 
world, I'd die, gladly die. Oh ! that I could find Idell. Her evi- 
dence might clear him. (Crazy Maud laughs outside at L.) 
Crazy Maud blows at starboard ! (Looking out at L.) The cutter 
comes this way. 

(Enter Maud, l.) 

Maud. It's written with blood ; it tells of blood. 

Skiff. What does ? 

Maud (startled). The Bible tells of blood. 

Skiff. But it is not written with blood. 

Maud. And there shall be war and rumors of war. For be- 
hold ! the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants 
ot the earth for their iniquity. The earth also shall disclose her 
blood, and shall no more cover her stain. 

Skiff. Plague take ye and yer crazy gab. Go join the Salvation 
Army. (Aside.) I was a fool for speaking to her, but she excited 
my curiosity with her "It is written in blood." This murder 
has given me blood on the brain. 

Maud. Gab, crazy gab. (Laughing wildly, exit at R., drop- 
ping letter.) 

Skiff (picking up letter). Tarnation ! A letter. (Opens it.) 
Gracious ! it's Bill Harvey's handwriting ! 

(Enter Maud, r.. in haste.) 

Maud (snatches letter and exit at R.). It's written with blood 
and it tells ot blood. 



THE FINGER OF FATE. I 1 / 

Skiff {surprised). Well, I'll be blowed ! This beats fishing 
for bullfrogs. That's Bill's fist, sure as preaching. Didn't have 
time to make out the writing. It was in red ink — that's what she 
means by, " It's written with blood, it tells of blood." She was on 
the river the time of the murder — I saw her. Two to one she 
possesses the key to the mystery ! {Starts out at r., in haste, runs 
into Webster, who enters, attd falls down.) Gosh all fish-hook ! 
{Getting tcp.) Got yer dinner mighty quick. {Aside.) Always 
turning up when he ain't wanted. 

Webster. I was so taken up with the scenery abou there, I 
concluded to let it go. 

Skiff {aside). Ye'll be taken up by an officer about here before 
I get through with ye. {To Webster.) I never knew ye to do as 
ye said. 

Webster. Be careful. Your " sass " is about played out, do you 
hear ? 

Skiff. I ain't deaf. 

Webster {aside). I heard Crazy Maud's laugh. Wonder if he 
saw her. I half think he's looking for the hag. {To Skiff.) You 
want to remember what I say. 

Skiff. You don't say so? 

Webster {aside). His impertinence is past limit. {Draws 
knife and turns on Skiff, stabbing at him.) Take that! 

Skiff {catching knife and taking it away). And so you would 
kill me ? And with a knife, as the ferryman was murdered ? 
{Struggling with Webster.) This goes to show ye are the mur- 
derer. I know well enough ye are. 

Webster (strttggling). Know what ye are a mind to; you 
can't prove anything. 

Skiff (throwing Webster). Ye wait and see. Enough will be 
proved to hang ye. {Getting knife away from Webster, holds it 
off.) So ye would let daylight into me with this knife? 

Webster (cries loudly). " Help ! Help ! Murder ! 

Skiff. Yer coward ! Do you think I would take yer miserable 
life ? 

Officer (rushing in at R.). What's this? Attempted murder? 
(Pulls Skiff off 'of Webster.) What ! Brigham Webster and 
Asa Skiff? 

Webster. He attempted my life. He is angered because I 
testified against his friend Herbert Gilder at the Harvey inquest. 

Skiff. ' Liar ! I never attempted to murder ye. Ye sprang on 
me and attempted to kill me with this knife. I throwed ye, and 
took it away. (To Officer.) This is the gospel truth. 

(Enter Prouty, r.) 

Prouty. More news! 

Officer. Well, it may be, but I must arrest you. (Puts hand 
o>i Skiff's shoulder.) Come with me; you were found with the 



1 8 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

knife in your hand down on the man. The law holds you, under 
the circumstances. 

Skiff. To the old boy with the law ! It lets the guilty go free, 
and holds the innocent. 

Webster {aside). He hits the nail on the head. I've got no 
reason to complain though. His arrest talfes him out of my way. 
Couldn't have been better had I planned it. 

Prouty (to Officer). Just give me the facts in the case. 

(Officer and Prouty talk together, Prouty taking notes in his 
book during the time. Skiff makes faces and shakes fist at 
Webster, who lights cigar, smiling at him mockingly.) 

Skiff (shaking his fist at Webster) . Darn ye ! 
Webster. Ha — ha ! 

Officer (pulling Skiff by the shoulder). Come along. 
Webster. Suppose you want me to swear out the charge. 
Officer. Yes. 

Skiff (to Webster). Ye'll have a charge to answer yet.- It 
won't always be cat fish and no bait. 

(Exit Officer with Skiff , follozved by Webster, l.) 

Prouty. Following the officer on the quiet, I found he was 
searching for the body of Idell Harvey. Then this occurs. Another 
chapter in the Harvey case. More sensation. (Going out at L.) 
A clear scoop on the other papers. 

(Enter Maud, r., leading Idell Harvey by the arm.) 

Idell. Woman, you know not what you do. Give me my 
liberty — let go my arm. 

Maud. No, no; they'll kill you. I'll guard you. 

Idell. Let go, I implore you ; why did you hold the pistol to 
my head to keep me from crying out at the unjust arrest? 'Twas 
the innocent who was arrested. 

Maud. They would kill you. Maud knows. 

(Enter Webster, l., looking on the ground as though searching 

for something.) 

Webster (aside). I lost my watch here somewhere in the 
struggle. (Sees Idell and Maud and dodoes to one side unno- 
ticed^) Ah ! 

Idell (aside). Fate is against me. She overtook me here, and at 
such a time.^ (Struggling.) In the name of justice, give me my 
liberty^ This mad freak of yours is punishing the innocent, while 
the guilty go free. It is worse than madness to think I will be 
murdered. 

Maud. Guard you I must and shall. 

Idell. No, no ! (Aside.) I must escape. (Gives a sudden pull 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 19 

and push, sending Maud down among the rocks at R. wing, so she 
falls off stage.} Free ! But I fear I have injured the poor woman 
badly. {Looking down among the rocks.) No, she is only stunned. 
{Starts to exit at L.) Now to explain all. 

Webster {springing and catching her by the arm). At last — 
(I dell screams and faints, noise of breaking brush outside at R.) 
' Webster {going out at l. carrying Idell in his arms). Some 
one approaches ; I must out of this in haste. 

{Raise Forest Drop Scene.) 



Scene Second.— Office, desk at c; chairs at r. and~L. of desk, 
which is littered with papers. Mantel bed at back. Enter Lewis 
Prouty at door. 

Prouty {taking off hat and gloves). News — news of every 
description. The' papers want to pay me a regular salary, instead 
of " space rates ; " I am making too much to suit them. {Sits down 
in chair at desk, and quickly jumps up — holding a letter file in his 
hand.) Gracious! that's a " scare head." {Putting file on table, 
sits down again.) I like to get things down to a point, but I don't 
like to sit on them. It is too much of a " fat take." {Writing.) 
Speakino- of points, reminds me that the last time I called on my 
tailor fo? credit, he pointed me to the door. I pointed for another 
establishment to try my luck, but it was no go. . The points I have 
written up in the Harvey case have brought my debts to a point 
where I have paid them. Now the point is, can I get trusted 
a<rain. {Rap outside.) Come in. {Lays down pen. Enter 'Ad a 
Bromley at door. Prouty offers her a chair, bowing low.) Be 
seated, madam. {She sits down.) To whom do I owe the honor ot 

\\\ 1 S C3.ll 

Ada '{presenting card). Miss Ada Bromley. 
Prouty {sitting down). Ah! Miss Bromley, I am most happy 
to meet you. Your business — what is it? 

Ada. You are a reporter, and a literary critic. 

Prouty. These pursuits provide for my existence. 

Ada. I have a poem. 

Prouty. One of your own composition ? 

Ada. Yes, sir. / . 

Prouty {aside). Probably it is Beautiful Spring. {To Ada.) 

Ada. I fail to make some of the lines rhyme, so I called to see 
if vou would help me correct them, knowing your ability. 

Prouty {aside). Ability ! {To Ada.) I shall be pleased to aid 

vou, if possible. ■■• •■■ ., , T ra „ 

Ada Thank you. The poem is entitled "A Maiden's Love. 
( Taking MSS. from pocket.) It is the last lines that trouble me ; 
if you will be so kind as to suggest something that will rhyme, 1 
shall be greatly obliged. 



20 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

Prouty. It will be a pleasure, I assure you. (Aside.) " A 
Maiden's Love." Wonder if it is a poodle or a pug. 
Ada. I will read it. The first verse runs — 
Prouty (aside). Don't let it run away. 
Ada (reads) : — 

" How softly sweet the Autumn air, 
The dying woodland fills, 
And nature turns from restful care " — 

Prouty. " To anti-bilious pills." 

Ada. Isn't that going from the sublime to the ridiculous? 

Prouty. It's just the thing. Such passages are what make 
poems popular. Pills rhyme with fills. Fills — pills. See? 

Ada. Perhaps you are right ; you ought to know. The second 
verse reads (reading) : — 

" The dove-eyed kine upon the moor — 
Look tender, meek and sad — 
While from the valley comes the roar" — 

Prouty. " Of the matchless liver pad." 

Ada. You must remember this is a sentimental poem. 

Prouty. Certainly. Pad ends with ad, the same as sad— and 
thus the second and fourth lines coincide. Then again there is 
nothing like ending a verse up lively. See? 

Ada. Oh! This is my first attempt, you see, hence I do not 
understand the rules well. 

Prouty (aside). A maiden's first poem on a maiden's love. 
(Jo Ada.) You do yourself credit. 

Ada. Thank you. The third verse is — (reading): — 

" How sadly droops the dying day, 
As night springs from the glen, 
And evening twilight seems to say " — 

Prouty. " The old man's drunk again." No, that won't hardly 
do. It is too old altogether. This is better — 

" How sadly droops the dying day, 
As night springs from the glens, 
And evening twilight seems to say ; — 
Let's skip away like hens." 

There that's just the thing. Every one feels like skipping by 
twilight. (Aside.) I've had to skip at night to get rid of my board- 
bill. (To Ada.) Twilight is nature's balm of peace. The verse 
will be the poem's gem. 

Ada. What an ear you do have for metre. 

Prouty (aside). Yes I'm always sure to meet her, — the 
washerwoman with my wash bill, — if I don't dodge lively. (To 
Ada.) It's nothing compared to your genius. If I was only such 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 21 

a starter of poetry as you, I would make my fortune. I am no good 
on the start. Continue. 
Ada {reading) : — 

" The merry milk-maid's sombre song, 
Re-echoes from the rocks : 
As silently she trips along " — 

Prouty. "With holes in both her socks." 

Ada. That will never do. 

Prouty. Why yes, it will, too. It will give the poem the 
appearance of truth. For ten to one it is the truth, and facts are 
what the public demand. Then again, socks and rocks rhyme 
beautifully. 

Ada. Well, it shall be as you say. The next verse is as follows. 

{Reading) . — 

" And close behind the farmer's boy 
Trills forth his simple tunes, 
As he slips behind the maidens cry " — 

Prouty. " In his shirt and pantaloons." 
{Sound of fire-bells outside ; cries of ' ' Fire —fire — the jail is on 

fire.") 

Prouty {jumping up) . The jail on fire ! Good Heaven! it is 

full of prisoners. 

Ada {getting tip). You are not going ? 

Prouty {surprised). Not going ? 

Ada. I have not finished the poem. 

Prouty. Poem — I am a reporter, and a reporter's place is 
where there is danger — to report. {Starts for door and stops, speak- 
ing aside.) Hang it all ! it is not right to leave her like this._ This 
comes with fooling with sentimental woman. Ah, I have it. {To 
Ada.) Will you accompany me to witness the fire? 

Ada. And we will finish the poem when we come back. I 
shall be pleased to go. 

Prouty {offers his arm, which she takes). We will away at 
once. {Outside, cries of "fire" repeated.) 

Prouty {running across stage to door, dragging Ada with him). 
The jail on fire, and the reporter of the Northern Daily News and 
correspondent of Thompson Review not on the spot ! 

Ada {flustrated). Oh! oh! look out. Be careful, you'll 
surely break my neck. (Going out at door.) Oh ! oh ! stop ! 

{Exeunt Ada and Prouty ; after a pause, w/^Webster). 

Webster {entering at door). Here's just the place to keep my- 
self until after the fire. The reporter will not put in his appear- 
ance until he has learned the last fact. Then 1 have just arrived, 
and called to learn the particulars relative to the fire. If there is 
any suspicion, this will throw it off. My firing the jail will never be 



22 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

known. No one saw me near it. Gilder and Skiff will perish in 
the flames. Rescue is impossible from their cells. Now no testi- 
mony will be required of me in the Harvey case. The girl must 
marry me. Marriage will answer all purposes, and make the 
Buckley estate doubly mine. 

Ada' (entering at 'door'). Reporters are so queer. But Prouty 
is real nice, though ; he thinks " A Maiden's Love "' just delightful. 

Webster. So do I. 

Ada (startled) . How you frightened me ! I did not notice you. 
Business called me here. 

Webster. I called to learn about the fire, knowing Reporter 
Prouty would have all the facts. 

Ada. He will be able to tell you all about it. He is at the fire. 

Webster (aside). I wish the deuce had her. Suppose I must 
make myself agreeable to her. (To Ada.) Whom may I call you? 

Ada (presenting card). Miss Ada Bromley. 

Webster (takes- a card atid writes his name and presents it). 
Please accept mine. 

Ada (reading.) Brigham Webster. (Aside.) I wonder if he 
likes poetry. I rather admire him. He must be poetical. (To 
Webster, placing card in her pocket and taking out MSS.) A 
Maiden's Love is — 

Webster. A splendid thing. 

Ada. No, no : you are too hasty in catching my meaning. 
(Aside.) I almost believe he is taken with my appearance. (To 
Webster.) " A Maiden's Love '" is a poem. (Aside.) I wonder 
if my hair is all right in the back. (Looking over shoulder.) It 
must be. (To Webster.) •'•' A Maiden's Love " was composed by 
me. 

Webster (aside). That's it. I knew there was something wrong 
with her. (To Ada.) Indeed ! 

(Enter Prouty at door, face covered with streaks of crock!) 

Prouty (writing). " Terrible fire ! The County Jail destroyed! 
Prisoners Burned Alive ! Herbert Gilder and Asa' Skiff among the 
Dead ! The Bodies in Ashes ! Cause of Fire Unknown ! 

Webster (aside). My plans were well laid. 

Ada. "A Maiden's Love" — 

Prouty (interrupting). What! Miss Bromlev and Mr. 
Webster? 

Webster. The fire — what are the full details? 

Ada. My poem — "A Maiden's Love " — 

Prouty (hanging ?tp hat) . Excuse me : I cannot attend to 
anything at present. (Sitting down at desk.) Must write out the 
fire in full at once, so as to get it into the afternoon edition. 
( J J T riting. ) Call agai n . 

Webster (aside). Quite satisfactory to me. I have shown 
myself and learned the result. Rather tough on the girl. (To 
Prouty) . You are excusable. 



~ 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 23 

Ada {aside). He might hear the rest of the poem. Could if 
he was a mind to. (To Prooty.) A Maiden's Love — 

Prouty (writing) . Xice poem — call again. 

Webster (aside). Suppose I might as well play the escort :_: 
Seen on the street, the supposition will be that I have been cb... ag 
with her. Another point to throw off suspicion. (Offers arm.) 
Will you accept my arm ? 

Ada. Thank you. (Takes armj aside.) He is much more 
gallant than Mr. Prouty. 

Webster. Good-day. 

Prouty. Good day. 

Ada A Maiden's Love is — 

(Webster and Ada exeunt at door.) 
(Drop For. . : :e.) 



Scene Third. — Forest. Enter L.. Asa Skiff, steadying and lead- 
itig Herbert Gilder ; clothing of both bit id torn, and gen- 

eral appearance pitiful. 

Gilder. Fire ! fire ! How it burns. The flames lick the cell 
windows. Asa is in the next cell. He, too, will te burned alive. 
MvGod! this is terrible! Falsely accused — cast ::_:o prison — 
dving by inches — burning to death. IdelL Idell my darling! They 
have° taken her from me. They say I murdered hex. liars! 
(Moans a?id then suddenly continues?) Hark! What's that? 
The cell door opens. Asa. Asa. it's Asa A ins. How the 
fire burns. Burn, burn, burn ! (Raising hand toward Heaven, 
and looking up.) Soon it will be Heaven. 

Skiff. Po'or Herb! His mind wanders. He thinks he"; in 
the cell and the iail afire. He only remembers my breaking in the 
door. The flames would soon have done their work. I was not a 
moment too soon. It is thought we perished: -r". let 'em (link 
so. As soon as Herb is himself again, we will show the world 
what's what. Brigham Webster will receive his ieserts. Thinking 
us dead, we can work our plans without interference. 

Gilder. Water, water! I'm burning up ! 

Skiff. He stows worse. What shall I do. 

Giider. Water, water! I say. water! 

Skiff. My boy, ye shall have water, (Takes off coat 
pillow, laying Gilder down -with '.:: kead-onit. Poor fellow! 
He must" have a doctor. (Exeiiea) . No, no ! it cannot be. . - 
doctor would bring the bloodhounds of the law upon us. To 
cast back into prison would be sure death. Rather than thai I - 
better that he should die beneath the clear blue sky. with the green 
boughs of the forest for his death-bed, and no one near to close - 
eves but old Asa Ski f f. 



2 4 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

Gilder. Water — water ! 

Skiff. The boy crying for water, and I standing idle. Heaven 
forgive me. There must be a spring near by. (Going; out at r.) 
He must have water at once. 

Gilder {moaning). Idell ! Idell. My betrothed, charged with 
the murder of her — her father. (Rising up, excited.) 'Tis false ' 
They he — they know they lie. They say I murdered Idell too 
Liars! liars! {Falls back exhaused.) Water— water' I'm dyin<^ 
for water. Asa — where is Asa ? Water — water ! 1 say water. & 

{Enter Skiff with water in a birch bark drinking-dish.) 

Skiff {stooping down, raises Gilder's head and holds water to 
his month). There, there ; here's water. 

_ Gilder {drinking). Water — fresh, cold water. How ^ood it 
is. & 

Skiff {bathes his head with the rest of the water). He's better 
now, thank Heaven. (Noise outside at l. ; Skiff holds his hands 
over his eyes and looks.) Some one is coming this way If dis- 
covered, all is lost. (Gently shaking Gilder.) Herb 1 Herb' 
wake up ! (Gilder starts.) There is some one approaching 

Gilder (staggering to his feet). I will not be taken. * Thev 
shall not get us. No — no — fire — fire — fire ! 
/c . Ski J f - 7 His mind wanders, but he understands the danger. 
{Steadying htm by the arm.) Rest on me. (Going out at R ) To 
Rocky Lake, and my old cave. No one will disturb us there 
(hxeunt r.) 



(Enter, l. , wood-choppers, singing some woodman's song; axes 
over shoulders, and dinner-pails in hand. Pass out at R as 
scene closest) ' 

(Raise Forest Drop Scene.) 



Scene Fourth. - Prouty's office, same as scene second. Prouty 
sitting in chair with his feet on the table, smoking a cigarette. 

»I K0VT 1< 2® the Hai ; ve y case is g° ne U P- Gilder is burnt to 
■Sf n'-J i CaSe ,S played 0ut also - Skiff is bu ™ed to death 
with Gilder Two interesting trials prevented. This knocks me 
out of a pile of money, Wish I was on a regular salary now. 
(Pauses and lights another cigarette.) Well, the question - was the 
jail set on fire, and who set it, still remains for discussion. I can 
make a good story of that. (Rap outside.) Come in. (Takes feet 
down from table and throws away cigarette.) Walk right in. 

(Enter Ada Bromley.) 

Ada. I am sorry to disturb you so soon again. 
Prouty (aside). I am sorry, very sorry to have you. 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 25 

Ada {sitting down). But I called on Rev. E. W. Bemis to con- 
sult him about " A Maiden's Love," you being so busy you 
couldn't hear me further with it at the time. 1 wished to get it 
completed so as to send it away for publication at once. I read him 
the verses we had corrected. He was highly indignant ; said the 
poem was shocking, making. particular mention of the lines you sug- 
gested. He bowed me out of his study, saying no such poetry was 
ever published or heard of before. (Prouty _^#/.y handkerchief to 
his mouth to keep from laughing.) He insulted me. I want you 
to report him. 

Prouty. I do not know about that. 

Ada. Why? 

Prouty {aside). Because I think he was justified. {To Ada.) 
He is pastor of the leading church of the place. Have to be careful 
what you say about ministers. 

Ada. Well, that gives him no right to declare " A Maiden's 
Love " absurd, and to bow me out of his study. 

Prouty. He was probably very busy. 

Ada. He — he — {Bursts out crying.) Must my poetical feel- 
ings be imposed upon without resentment? 

Prouty {aside). I wish I had never heard of the poem. I 
fear I went a little too far in the matter. {To Ada.) Why, I am 
surprised, Miss Bromley. Don't cry. The poem is all right. 

Ada {crying louder). He said the last lines were the worst. 
{Crying harder.) You suggested them. I thought they did not 
seem proper. You spoiled the poem. 

Boy {opening door). Mister! Crazy Maud has fallen in a 
fit on the street. The doctor says she can't live. Your place is 
the nearest. Can they bring her in? 

Prouty. Certainly. {Pitts o?i hat.) I will help them. {Going 
out.) There's news in this. 

Ada. {takes down mantel bed, fixes it). Poor thing ! I will make 
it as comfortable as possible for her. {Pauses.) I do not know 
what to think about this poetry. Is Mr. Prouty imposing upon me 
— making fun at my expense ? 

{Enter Prouty and Officers at door, carrying Crazy Maud. 
They put her on the bed, several people press in at door.) 

Officer {driving them back). Keep back, you can do no good. 
Your presence will disturb her. The doctor said — " Let no one in." 

Prouty. That's right. Keep them back. The room is not 
large enough. 

Officer {going out). Pll see they are kept quiet. 

Ada {bending over Maud). Where's the doctor? 

Prouty. He could not stop. Was on his way to see a patient 
demanding his immediate attention. {Speaks low.) He says he 
could do no good. That she will only live a few minutes. She has 
ruptured a blood vessel, and is bleeding to death internally. 



26 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

Ada (smoothing Maud's hair). Poor thing ! 

Prouty. The ambulance has been sent for, and will take her to 
the hospital as soon as possible. She has no home — no friends. 

Maud {moaning). Everything is bright, so bright. {Partly 
rising up.) I see a cloud — a cloud of silver lined with gold and 
diamonds bright. Beyond is a beautiful river — Jordan's waters — 
The ship of life is on the shore ready for Paradise. It is waiting 
— it's waiting for me. 

Ada {fanning Maud). My poor woman be calm, lie still an;' 
rest. 

Maud. Be calm — rest! Where is there rest this side the 
grave ? No — no ! Misery and woe — sorrow and remorse. 
{Suddenly rises up, letters falling out of dress.) I see — yes, I see 
angels in the air. {Falling back.) They are calling me, — I hear 
their voices, voices sweet. 

Prouty {picking up papers) . The doctor was right in saying 
she could not live, that his presence was needless. The hand of 
death is upon her brow. {Reading papers.) What are these 
papers ? 

Ada {fanning Maud). She is quietly sinking to rest. 

Prouty {reading). A history of the crazy creature's life pre- 
vious to her insanity. {Holding up the death letter.) And this ? 
{Opening it.) Nothing but a blank sheet, what does it mean? 

Maud {rising up). Mean? Mean? It means volumes. 

Pk outy ( perplexed) . Volumes ! 

Maud {falling back). It's written with blood — it tells of blood. 
{Dies.) 

Ada. Dead ! Her troubled spirit is at rest. 

Prouty. Peace to her ashes. {Holding paper at ami's length, 
and looking at it intently.) A Mystery ! 

{Positions. Ada betiding over Maud, covering the face with a 
handkerchief. Prouty at c, holding letter as stated?) 

CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 

Scene First. — Rocky Lake, surrounded by rocks and trees. 
Sound of team in the distance. Asa Skiff puts his head out 
from cave in the ground. 

Skiff {looking about). What's that? {Getting out of cave.) 
A team on the old sled road. {Looking out at L.) Hardly ever 
knew of any one driving on the road before. The old Lake House 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 27 

that hasn't been occupied these twenty years is the only house any- 
where near here. That's haunted, and no one goes near it. lne 
team can't be going there. Perhaps it is crazy Maud out with a 
hitch-up. If it is, I will have that letter she has got or bust. 

Gilder {getting out of cave). What is it, Asa? 

Skiff (cautioning him by a gesture to speak low). A team. 

Gilder {surprised). A team — who's with it? {Both look 

anxiously.) - , T ... , . 

Skiff. I think it's crazy Maud that I was telling you about. 

It is either a lunatic or a rascal. 

Gilder. You are right. Neither a sane nor an honest person 
would drive on such a road. 

(A whip snaps outside, and there is a cry of " Get up" — " Go 
long." Whip cracks again.) 

Skiff. Here comes the team around the bend. It is a covered 

carriage. .... 

Gilder {excited). Brigham Webster is driving 
Skiff {excited) . Jumping bullfrogs, you are right ! 
Gilder. He's alone — something is up. . 

Skiff. Wish it was himself, hanging up to a tree. Ah, he is 

^cfX^ going out at l.). We must follow him. There is no 
telling what might result. The team must not be lost sight oi for 

™SmS\going out at l.). Not for the wiggle of a "jollywog's 
tail." We'll spear the sucker. 

{Enter Prouty, r., followed by two Officers.) 

Prouty. This way — the game is right ahead. 
Officer. You are sure we are on the right track. 
Prouty. As sure as I am reporter of the Northern Daily News 
and correspondent of the Thompson Review. 
Officer. We are all right. 

(All exeunt at l.) 
{Raise Lake Scene.) 

^cfne Second. — Old-fashioned chamber. Tables at R. Chair 
™S Idell. Harvey seated at table, her head resting 
on her arms on the table. 

Tdfll (raising her head). Tears will do no good {Wiping 

whZTdirckief) Mvlot is hard and bitter, but I must 

£ ™ ccSS^T Wi only reached the village all would have 

teen explained! Herbert and the fisherman would have escaped 



28 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

their awful fate, and Brigham Webster would have been in their 
place. How triumphant he looked when he brought me the paper 
with the account of the fire and their death. The villain ! Oh, 
that I had the strength to strangle him. Crazy Maud in her mad- 
ness was right to guard me, but I might as well be dead as held a 
prisoner here. Were it not for the faint hope of escape, I would 
take my life. All that were dear to me are dead — at rest in 
Heaven. All I have to live for is to expose this most cursed of 
conspiracies. (Crying a?id resting head oti table.) God grant me 
this, and I am willing to die. 

(Enter Webster at door with key.) 
Webster (locking door behind hint). Hello there? 

(Idell pays no attention.) 
Webster. Hello, I say ! 

(Idell makes no reply.) 

Webster. Sulky, eh. Well, you will feel better soon. I'm 
going to New York. 

Idell (aside). Will feel better — going to New York? Can 
this mean my liberty? (To Webster, getting tip.) What do you 
mean ? 

Webster. Found your tongue, have you? Well, I'm glad of 
it. You go to New York with me. 

Idell (surprised). I go to New York. 

Webster. Yes. In New York you are to marry me. 

Idell. Marry you ! You monster — you murderer. I will die 
first. 

Webster. No ; you will marry me first, you can die then if you 
want to. (Aside.) I will help you, too. The property shall be 
twice mine. 

Idell. That you should dare to mention marriage to me. No 
minister will ever perform the ceremony. 

Webster. I have a friend in the city who is a minister. He 
will do anything for money. 

Idell. Such a minister must be a friend of yours. You can 
never take me to New York. I will expose you to the first person 
we meet. 

Webster. Little good that will do. You are insane. 

Idell. Insane ? 

Webster. Yes. (Taking paper out of pocket.) Yes, here are 
the papers properly made out to prove it. 

Idell (reading). This says Idell Webster. 

Webster. Meaning my sister. That's you for the occasion. 

Idell. How could such a paper be procured? 

Webster. A girl named Ada Bromley rode out with me. She 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 29 

is a would-be poet, slightly deranged at the best. Taking dinner at 
a town we drove to, where she wished to see a publisher of whom 
she had heard, I administered Cannabis Indica to her in some wine. 
While insane from its effects, she was examined by two doctors of 
the place, as my sister. This paper was given to commit her to 
a New York asylum. I then drove away with the girl, and the effect 
of the drug soon wore off. I informed her that she fainted at the 
table as the result of too much brain work. All was satisfactory. 

Idell. Wretch ! 

Webster. You will now take her place. Frequent administra- 
tions of the drug will produce all that is desired. Such you shall 
receive until after the marriage ceremony. 

Idell. I will never take it. 

Webster. Easy to say, but impossible to prevent. 

Idell. You can never get me to New York, can never take me 
from here without my being recognized by some one in this vicinity. 

Webster. I have a team, and shall drive across country and 
take a train at a distant station. Then again, the change I shall 
make in your appearance will prevent recognition. {Taking shears 
from inside pocket, catches her by the arm?) Off comes your hair, 
to begin with. 

(Idell screams. Door breaks open and Herbert Gilder rushei 

in, followed by Asa Skiff.) 

Gilder {knocking Webster down) . Idell ! Idell ! 
Idell. Herbert ! 

{Clasp each other in their arms.) 

Skiff {greatly excited). Glory hallelujah ! 

Gilder {kissing Idell). Darling! 

Idell {kissing Gilder) . Alive — not dead ! 

Skiff {aside). Pretty live kiss for a dead man. 

Idell. I read that both you and Asa perished in the fire. 

Gilder. And it was said that I had murdered you. 

(Webster gets partly up.) 

Skiff {knocking him down). No, ye don't. Lay there {putting 
his foot on him), blast ye — "lay there. 

Gilder. You are getting excited, Asa. Guard him, but treat 
him as a human being. 

Skiff. There ain't nothing human to him. 

Idell. How did you find me? 

Skiff {aside). How did she get here ? Where has she been all 
this time? {Putting his foot on Webster's neck.) I'll choke it 
out of him. 

Gilder. It is a long story. To cut it short for now, we escaped 
from the fire through Asa's bravery, took refuge in a cave, dis- 



30 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

covered Webster with a team, and followed him here as fast as pos- 
sible. Now, how came you here ? 

I dell. Brigham Webster brought me. He proposed to make 
me his wife. He said I should marry him. 

Skiff. Skinning alive is too good for him. 

Gilder. Now we will face the public. (Suddenly.') Idell — 
do you know I am charged with the murder of your father? (Put- 
ting her from him.) The coroner's jury found me guilty. 

Idell (placing her hand on his shoulder). I know all and be- 
lieve you innocent. 

(Gilder embraces her.) 

Skiff (aside). That's the stuff! 

Gilder. Now I will give myself up to await my trial. 

(Enter Prouty at door, followed by Officers.) 

Prouty. No, you won't. All is known. Brigham Webster is 
the murderer of William Harvey. 

Skiff (excited). Hurrah! Herb's clear ! Glory hallelujah ! I 
always said it was Webster. 

Webster (springing up). 'Tis a lie ! 'tis false ! 

Officer. The evidence is complete. (Taking him by the arm.) 
I arrest you for murder. 

Second Officer (taking Webster by other arm) . John Aldrich, 
you have come to the end of your rope. 

Webster. John Aldrich? 

Officer. Yes ; you are known at last. 

Webster {defiantly). My name is Brigham Webster. You 
cannot prove the Harvey murder against me. 

Prouty. Do not be too sure. 

Gilder. The proof — 

Idell. Yes, the proof — 

Skiff. Let it drive. 

Prouty. You know crazy Maud ? 

Omnes. Yes. 

Prouty. She died in my office from the rupture of a blood- 
essel. In her possession I found two papers — one a history of 
her life previous to her insanity, and the other a paper that 
appeared to be blank. Close examination showed it had been 
written upon at some time. In dying Crazy Maud cried — " It is 
written with blood — it tells of blood." Tests proved her strange 
saying to be true, and showed Brigham Webster, alias John Al- 
drich, to be the murderer of the ferryman. 

Idell. Crazy Maud dead ! Poor women ! 

Webster. A ridiculous, cock-and-bull story. Blood cannot 
be brought out after it has faded, providing anything should be 
written with it. 

Prouty. Yes it can. The blank page under chemical treat 



v 



THE FINGER OF FATE. 3 1 

ment revealed a letter — a letter written by William Harvey, the 
ferryman, with his death blood. 

Idell. A letter of blood ! Father's dying act ! 

Prouty {taking paper from pocket) . Here is a copy of the 
letter. 

Webster. Where is the original ? None of your trumped-up 
cases on me. 

Prouty. In the keeping of an eminent specialist of Boston, 
who performed the test. There is no half-way business to this. 

Webster. You can prove nothing. I defy the whole of you. 

Prouty. We can prove everything. Here is the letter. (Reads.) 
'•I, William Harvey, am dying, murdered by George Buckley 
alias John Aldrich, alias Brigham Webster. Idell Harvey is not 
my daughter, but the only child of Lord Henry Buckley, now de.id. 
There are documents in my trunk to prove it. Signed, William 
Harvey." 

Idell. Not his daughter ! I never should have dreamed it ; 
he was so kind. 

Skiff. Yer a Lord's daughter. (Bowing.) My lady, I always 
knew there was a little something extra to ye. (Aside.) This 
will make Herb a step-lord. 

Gilder. Continue — give us all the facts. 

Prouty. The documents mentioned in the death letter were 
found, and afford ample proof of this man's motive to the crime. 
Idell Harvey, or Idell Buckley as she has the right to be known, is 
this scoundrel's cousin (indicating Webster), and the only life be- 
tween him and the Buckley estate to which she is sole heiress. 
With William Harvey alone rested this secret, which, thank God, 
he has bequeathed to the girl whom crime first placed in his keep- 
ing, but whose love made of him a better man, in his death letter. 

Webster (breaking away from officers, snatches pistol from his 
belt, shoots himself and falls to stage). You have got the call on 
me. I throw up the game. (Raising partly up.) Idell, Idell 
Buckley. 

Idell (bending over him). Yes — 

Webster (gasping). Can you forgive me my sin? I know I 
have done wrong. It was the one object of my life to possess the 
Buckley estate as well as the title at whatever cost. Oh, what a 
villain I have been! (Pleadingly.) Can you — will you forgive 
me? 

Idell. God judges all. May he be merciful to you. 

Webster (falling back, dead). Even to me ! 

Idell. Misguided man ! He is dead. 

Officer (aside to other Officer). The hangman's lost a job. 

Prouty (aside). Not a cent to be made by a trial. (To party.) 
This beats all my experience as reporter of the Northern Daily 
News and correspondent of Thompsons Review. 

Skiff. It beats horn-pouting — horn-pouting in a boat, 

Idell. How strange. 



32 THE FINGER OF FATE. 

Gilder. Right is bound fo triumph over wrong. 

Skiff {suddenly stepping up to I dell and Gilder and clasping 
their right hands together). Righted and united. 

Prouty. Full account in the News and Review. Order extra 
copies for your friends. 

position. 

(Idell and Gilder clasped hands, with Skiff behind them at r. 
Webster on floor at c. Officers in background. Prouty 
at L.) 

CURTAIN. 



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